Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) today urged the U.S. House of Representatives to pass The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would criminalize abortion after 20 weeks, with exceptions for, rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk.

Sens. Joe Pennacchio and Steven Oroho urged Congress to pass The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The House will vote on the Act on October 3. The senators have fought to enact the legislation at the state level. (SenateNJ.com)

“Senator Oroho and I have fought tirelessly at the state level to pass our Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, but Legislative leadership has refused to act,” Senator Pennacchio said. “Our leaders in Washington must seize this opportunity to protect innocent unborn children nationwide from the excruciating pain of abortion. Someone must stand up for their right to live full, healthy lives.”

In December of 2016, Senators Pennacchio and Oroho held a press conference with fellow pro-life advocates and a number of widely-respected medical officials to call on New Jersey’s Legislative leadership to pass their Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S-2026.) They have made repeated calls for action since then, and yet Senate Democrats, who control the Legislative agenda, have failed to post the bill for a single committee hearing.

“Every elected official has a responsibility to safeguard our most vulnerable citizens from harm, and there is no one more innocent or vulnerable than a child in the womb,” Senator Oroho said. “I am glad to see Congress take action to honor that responsibility, by scheduling this lifesaving legislation for a vote. I hope that every member will do the right thing and vote today to protect the sanctity of human life.”